Comal County Homeless Coalition seeks donations

Later this month, the Comal County Homeless Coalition and Texas Homeless Network will conduct the annual “Point-in-Time” count in order to provide data on the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the county.

The details

The PIT count is conducted once a year in the community, and survey responses are compiled throughout the state and county. Two-person teams of trained volunteers conduct the surveys in selected areas over one 24-hour time period, according to a news release.

Those who participate in the survey will receive a compassion bag containing food, hygiene and safety items provided by the Seeds of Love nonprofit organization. The Homeless Coalition is seeking donations of items for the compassion bags. Volunteers can help to fill the bags with donated items Jan. 20 at the Oakwood Church Children's building at 10:15 a.m.

“Community support and awareness for this project are so important, not only in terms of community engagement but also to create awareness and understanding about this very vulnerable population in our area,” said Bethany Benson from Gruene United Methodist Church and a member of the PIT Count Committee.

A closer look

The purpose of the count is to assist nonprofit organizations in understanding how homelessness changes over time across variables, including economic conditions, societal factors and policy advancement. The PIT count also allows organizations to spread awareness and engage with the homeless population in the community, according to a news release.

More information about the PIT count can be found here. Details on how to donate items for compassion bags can be found here or by contacting Bethany Benson at [email protected].